The Impact of Microplastics in Our Oceans
Oceans are a critical part of our ecosystem and our way of life. From foamy waves to colorful reefs, our oceans need to be protected to preserve our planet. Unfortunately, microplastics clutter our seas and pose a serious threat to marine life, the environment, and us too. So, let’s dive deeper into the impact of microplastics in the ocean and what we can do to prevent causing more harm.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that shed from larger plastic objects such as water bottles, packaging materials, to-go containers, clothing fibers, and more. This happens when plastics break down from friction, UV radiation from sunlight, reaction with other chemicals in the environment. For example, when a plastic container gets scuffed after falling from a backpack, is repeatedly microwaved, or cracks from overuse, it releases microplastics.
Since microplastics don’t biodegrade, they accumulate over time in the environment, becoming more abundant with every plastic product that gets produced. Worse, each piece of plastic contains toxic chemicals that get released into our bodies and the environment.
How do microplastics get into the ocean?
According to the U.S. Department of State, an estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic goes into the ocean each year. This happens as a result of the fishing and shipping industries, improper waste management, and even typical consumers.
For example, a plastic food container washed in the dishwasher (or even by hand) releases microplastics into our water supply and eventually into our oceans. Similarly, any plastic items brought to the beach — such as sand toys, sunscreen bottles, and water bottles — can get hot in the sun, abraded by sand, or forgotten, rinsing microplastics directly into the waves.
How do microplastics affect marine life?
Since microplastics don’t biodegrade, they end up floating through the water and settling on the sea floor. Sunlight, waves, and sand can break them down into smaller and smaller pieces that are virtually unavoidable to sea life. As a result, all kinds of marine creatures, from microorganisms to whales end up consuming microplastics.
These tiny plastic pieces carry and leach chemicals that are toxic to marine life. Plus, when ingested, they can block up their digestive systems, reduce feeding, and cause malnutrition or even death. These harmful effects wreak havoc on marine biodiversity, an essential factor to the function of our oceans and our world.
How does this impact us?
The effects of microplastics don't just endanger marine life, they harm humans too. As fish consume microplastics, it embeds in their edible tissues. This allows these toxic particles to travel up the food chain and onto our plates.
As people ingest fish containing microplastics, they also increase their risk of a wide range of negative health effects such as hormone disruption, chronic illnesses, cardiac events, and more. To dive deeper into the negative health risks of microplastics, read this blog.
How do microplastics contribute to climate change?
The damage doesn’t stop there. The health of marine microorganisms like phytoplankton and zooplankton are essential to the ocean’s ability to store carbon. Microplastics in the ocean block the natural processes of these organisms and hinder their ability to regulate the ever-increasing CO2 in our atmosphere.
According to the United Nations, the ocean is instrumental in the fight against climate change due to its key role in reducing greenhouse gases and stabilizing the climate. It is up to each and every one of us to help reduce one of the preventable causes of climate change: microplastics in the ocean.
How to avoid microplastics
Luckily, there are easy ways to prevent creating more microplastics that harm our oceans and our world. Instead of conventional options, choose for plastic-free items whenever possible. That means skipping plastic water bottles, to-go containers, and food storage containers while choosing clothes, furniture, and toys made of natural materials.
Whenever possible, support businesses, organizations, and policies that reflect your eco-friendly values. During your free time, try to join your local beach clean-ups and when you’re having a beach day, always remember to leave no trace!
At Pura Stainless, our mission is to innovate plastic-free products that protect our oceans, health, and planet — without compromising on quality. That’s why we created the first and only line of 100% plastic-free water bottles that are customizable and made to last a lifetime.
Do your part to reduce microplastics in the ocean by going plastic-free with Pura. Head to our website to shop now!
Sources and Further Reading:
Environmental Protection Agency
